Legendary Hard Rock Drummer Pat Torpey Dead At 64

The drummer and founding member of Mr. Big, Pat Torpey died Wednesday due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.

His family and bandmates asking for privacy and noting that services have yet to be scheduled for the drummer.

Mr. Big bassist Billy Sheehan revealed his feelings as follows:

“Pat Torpey has been my closest friend in music for over 30 years. He passed away yesterday from complications as a result of Parkinson’s disease.

Pat was one of the finest human beings I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing, and the honor of working with. All of us in Mr. Big had nothing but the highest respect and admiration for him. He is loved by anyone and everyone who ever met him. And surely one of the finest rock drummers the world has ever known. Please keep his sweet wife and wonderful son in your prayers.

I love you, Pat. You made the world a better place. We will miss you. We will never forget you. Rest in peace, my brother.”

Torpey was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2014, yet still played with Mr. Big as a background vocalist and contributing to percussion.